Court Report

Police took into custody a man who restrained his wife into his vehicle while accusing her of having an affair. The defendant made his initial appearance before District Court Judge John Ward yesterday morning.

(Samoa News has chosen not to name the defendant to protect the identity of the victim.)

Police affidavit says the first incident occurred last week Friday when the defendant heard rumors that his wife, who works at Star Kist, was having an affair. It’s alleged the defendant went to his wife’s workplace last week Friday, and saw that his wife was having lunch with another man. Police affidavit says the defendant then grabbed his wife and placed her in the vehicle and went home. According to police, the defendant and his wife argued, and the woman — who claims she was frightened of her husband— contacted police.

The woman and her four children were taken to a shelter, where they stayed until Wednesday afternoon. They then left to stay with the wife’s aunt in Fagatogo.

At that time, it’s alleged the defendant went to where his wife was, and asked her to come back home with the kids, but she refused. Police said the defendant grabbed his wife and forcibly placed her in the vehicle. It’s alleged the woman was screaming and bystanders contacted police.

The defendant is facing two misdemeanor charges for public peace disturbance and felonious restraint.

He is represented by Assistant Public Defender Donna Clement, while prosecuting is Assistant Attorney General Camille Philippe.

VAITOGI MAN ARRESTED AFTER FOUND WITH ALLEGED DRUGS

Police officers with the Vice and Narcotics Division arrested a man in his 20’s late Wednesday afternoon, in connection with the sale of marijuana in front of a store in Tafuna.

Police say that a confidential informant allegedly bought from the defendant dried marijuana leaves, which is alleged to be the equivalent of 20 marijuana joints. The accused is said to have been under the police microscope for quite a while now.

The accused is now at the Territorial Correctional Facility for 48 hours, pending an arrest warrant.

In the meantime the police report has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s office for prosecution.

TEACHER ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING STUDENT

A summons has been issued for a teacher on allegations he assaulted a student. It’s alleged the incident occurred last year during class.

Police said, the teacher grabbed the student by the head and slammed it onto a cement pole. According to police the student suffered an injury to his face following the incident.

The teacher is charged with third degree assault, a misdemeanor, which is punishable up to one year in jail and or a fine of up to $1,000.

The teacher is scheduled to appear before the District Court in the next two weeks.

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